TS55 or TSC55?

[lulzasaur]

Hi all,

Just starting to get into Festool and I am pretty sure this comparison has been asked before, but I wasn't able to find a solid conclusion amongst the threads I found. I have seen people flip flop on this saying there is no real need to go cordless if you are using a shop vac anyways. However, others are saying the TSC55 is a bit stronger and going cordless is kinda nice. Trying to decide between an Emerald edition TS55 package or a TSC55 package for only ~$160ish more. Any insights into this choice would be appreciated.

 

[ProCarpenterRVA]

I've been using a TSC55 for a couple of years now. It has a good bit more power than the corded version. I had a TS55 that I used through several hundred sheets of 3/4 birch and cherry ply. I found the TS55 underpowered when cutting ply on a 45 degree bevel on the length of the ply and I hated the cord and hose hangup issues. I use the TSC55 with the dust bag unless I'm really going to be cutting a lot of plywood.

I'm looking at picking up a Mafell corded or a TS75 to replace the TS55 which I sold. Hope this helps.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[FestitaMakool]

I think it is a matter of needs and taste. Theres not much to choose between them. Wireless or wired. Light vs a little heavy. You may also use the TSC with only one battery at a cost of less power. Again it’s needs. I have not a TS55 or TSC55, but a TS75 and a HKC55. I might buy a TS55, but I’m steering away from the cordless version anyhow. For me it’s an indoor tool, to dedicated precision work, and there’s power supply at any wall - that’s me. Because batteries needs charging (Planning) and care.

Festool Germany did recently a video with the cordless saws, that might help you a little further:
(In English)
=share

 

[mrboult]

For a full day of track sawing, I imagine you need 4 batteries and two chargers. Unless you NEED cordless, I think this is too much hassle. To keep all those batteries charged, carry them all to the job etc. Plus the tool will be less likely to last 10 years without further investment. A milestone my TS55 recently reached, still going strong with new brushes installed last year (£12).

I got the HKC as my cordless option. Not as powerful sure, but presents more versatility as a second saw, with it’s cross-cut tracks and free hand cutting abilities. And it only uses one battery

Obvs not knocking the TSC, seems like a wonderful machine. Just wouldn’t want it over the TS myself.

Never understood the complaints of power with the TS55. Think it might be a 110v issue (?) as mine has done every cut I’ve ever asked in 10 years. But I do have all the right blades. .

 

[thudchkr]

I had the TS55 and the TSC55,  as well as the TS75 and the HKC.  I thought there was a noticeable difference in power between the TS and the TSC. I ended up selling the TS55 and replacing it with the Mafell MT 55.

If I could only have one saw. And was going strictly with Festool. I would choose the TSC over the TS. However, I would then want/need a second set of batteries for it.

Current price on the corded Mafell, however, is less than that of the cordless TSC. And that’s before one buys that second set of “needed” batteries. It has better power, and a nicer rail system, (longer rail & much better joinability). In your situation, I think I’d be going with the Red Systainer & Saw, instead of the Green.

My two cents.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Both are wonderful saws. I have them all, including the Mafell. I like things about all of them and dislike things about all of them. I think that the TSC is the best cordless tracksaw out there - it really has great power with two batteries. As others have said, you need 4 batteries to cut all day and longer term cost might be more with replacing batteries.

I have the corded TS55 and I like it - I also am in the camp that it can be underpowered in certain cuts/applications. Swapping the blade helps for sure. I like the ergonomics and the Emerald Edition is a great deal.

Between these two, I would probably still opt for the TSC only because it gives added flexibility to go anywhere. BUT, if I had access to power or worked in the cold, then I would probably stick with the tried and true TS55 and be completely happy with it.

 

[pettyconstruction]

I have the TS-75 and TSC-55 ,I have been cutting a lot of plywood lately ,and have used the -55 the most.
It’s nice for a quick cut and the dust bag works surprisingly well.
Cheers,
Charlie

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[Sino]

I have ts 15 years already now and tsc 3 years.Since I bought the tsc my ts has not been in use anymore. Lots less hassle with cables, and a sawdust bag does a great job.

 

[ear3]

TSC55 all the way.  Definitely performs better under load relative to the corded version on thicker cuts.  Sold my TS55 after getting the TSC, and with no remorse.

With the faster charge batteries, you'll be in good shape for uninterrupted sawing with a stable of 4 batteries (short of, say, a full day of ripping 8/4 hardwood, for which cuts you usually have to let the batteries cool down a bit before recharging).

 

[Jeff Zanin]

I have the TSC-55 and the TS-75, and a bit of experience with the TS-55. 

If I had to choose one track saw today it would be the TSC-55, it is fine for breaking down sheet goods which is what I mainly use it for.

 

[Cheese]

I started with the TS 55 and was happy until I tried a TSC 55. So I sold the TS 55 and now switch between the TSC 55 and the Mafell MT 55. The best of both worlds.

 

[six-point socket II]

Between the two, TSC 55.

Easy.

Kind regards,
Oliver

 

[Bob D.]

Never used a TS55 but I have no complaints about my TSC55. A plus for me was I could use either 15v or 18v batteries in it, and in any combination 18+18, 18+15, 15+15. Each gives a different level of power and speed but if you have a 15v tool as I did you can use your 15v batteries while recharging the 18 v batteries. The AirStream charger will have your 18v batteries ready to go in 30 minutes.

 

[lulzasaur]

Thanks all, after reading everything, I think I will go with the TSC.

 

[Cochese]

Another data point for the cordless. The only annoying thing is having to trigger dust collection manually on the vac.

 

[Coen]

TSC55 all the way.  Definitely performs better under load relative to the corded version on thicker cuts.  [...]

That's insane. But kinda in line with corded vs cordless drills, were manufacturers just don't apply any new technology to the corded versions... See lousy low torque on corded drills.

Anyway; when the batteries age... they will decrease in output power. While the TS 55 will just keep the same power.

For me, the tracksaw = dust extractor. And when the hose is already there, I don't care much about the cord. I don't even own the bag for the TS 55. Then the additional weight of the batteries will be more annoying.

If I find my TS 55 lacking power I would buy a (TS 75 or) HK 85 to complement it.

All these batteries will degrade over time, much faster than the Tools. I bought my TS 55 in 2006; it's still fine. All batteries from that time have already gone or are ridiculously reduced in usability. I guess if you use it for your job it might be a different choice than for hobbyists. The batteries wear with time too, regardless of use.

 

[HandyDen]

Having read this thread, I’ve been convinced to sell my TS and buy a TSC.  And there looks to be a good deal when you buy the TSC and new TID impact!  The only corded tool I’ll have left is the Kapex (when it arrives in August...fingers crossed).

 

[Coen]

You have a cordless charger too  [cool]?

 

[Svar]

For me, the tracksaw = dust extractor. And when the hose is already there, I don't care much about the cord.
...
Then the additional weight of the batteries will be more annoying.
...
All these batteries will degrade over time, much faster than the Tools.

All good points.
I bought 55 to complement 75 because of its size and weight, particularly for bevel cuts. With batteries TSC55 comes close to TS75 in weight.